REPORTS: Viola Davis to Star in Barbara Jordan Biopic

This should be interesting. Academy Award-nominated actress Viola Davis is reportedly in talks to star in a biopicture on the late and iconic Barbara Jordan, who rose from poverty to become the first Black woman elected to Congress from the South. Jordan was also lesbian.

The film would be based on Mary Beth Rogers' 2000 biography Barbara Jordan: American Hero. Davis would star in the film and act as a producing partner with her husband, reports IndieWire. Paris Barclay will direct from a script adapted by Emmy-nominated writer Paris Qualles

Jordan was the first African American to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction, the first black woman elected to Congress from the South, and the first to deliver the keynote address at a national party convention.

But, given how private a life she led, Jordan was considered something of a mystery, even to her close friends–friends who didn’t know about the illness that would eventually kill her at just 59 years old…. And while she never publicly discussed her sexual orientation (not that she had to), Jordan’s obituary mentioned her long-term (30-year) relationship with Nancy Earl, an educational psychologist.

The award-winning director Paris Barclay is also Black and gay. Barclay tells Variety the project has been in development for "a few years." "We’re hoping this becomes a movie that shows the world everything that Viola can do," says Barclay. "People haven’t seen everything that she’s capable of and this role is so powerful."

Lyndon B. Johnson was an early supporter of Jordan and later became a mentor. In 1974, Jordan delivered an influential and live televised speech before the House Judiciary Committee that supported the impeachment of Richard Nixon.

Jordan died in 1996. Ten years later, the Jordan/Rustin Coalition was founded in California in her namesake and that of Bayard Rustin. JRC organizes and mobilizes the Black LGBT community around Los Angeles.

Comments

[Diva1961]

This would be great on many fronts. Viola deserves her academy award and I hope this is the production that finally allows her to get it.

She is a well trained artist, and Jordan is an icon. Putting these two figures together should hopefully create a work of art that all communities can be proud of.

[TheRevKev]

If you have EVER heard Barbara Jordan speak, THIS IS GOING TO BE MASTERFUL! Her diction was FLOORING and Viola Davis is going to eat that screen ALIVE! The fact that her obituary noted her long-time partner and spouse, so I hope that they GO THERE but don't stay there!

Her speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1976 made an 11 year old me CRY LIKE A BABY! My mother held me and cried too because this woman SPOKE with such audacity and authority and articulation of the power of One Voice!

OH MY GOD, I AM EXCITED!!!!

[Mad Professah]

Does Hollywood read blog comments? I called for someone to put together a biopic for Viola Davis to star in BEFORE she lost the Oscar to Meryl Streep. I suggested Shirley Chisholm or Barbara Jordan's story would work.

Glad they went with Barbara. Should be interesting to see how they deal with the lesbian angle...

[Jerry]

I admired Barbara Jordan a lot. What a strong and charismatic leader. I also think Viola Davis is wonderful and would be great in this movie. Can't wait to see it.

[Honut Sinti]

I had the great pleasure to meet Ms. Jordan when I was an intern on the Hill back in the early 1970's. She was so nice to me. I will always remember that time fondly.

I would LOVE to see a movie about Ms. Jordan's life. Ms. Davis would work that role top to fierce!

[Distant Lover]

I pray this happens! Meryl Streep won her well-deserved Oscar playing Margaret Thatcher, how poetic that Viola will win hers playing this outstanding woman!
I foresee a trend. There are so many people whose lives deserve a movie, Miss Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, Nina Simone, The President, the list goes on and on...
Bravo to Ms. Davis and Mr. Barclay for giving me a reason to go back to the movies!!!